Tool developed to analyze small wind turbine investments

Victory Electric and other Kansas electric cooperatives have seen an increase in the number of requests from our member-owners for information about owning renewable energy systems, particularly wind.

In response, staff at Kansas Electric Cooperatives(KEC), Sunflower, and Midwest Energy have developed the “Small Wind Cash Flow model” – a spreadsheet tool – that can help you analyze the economics of investing in a small wind generator.

The model allows you to input several variables that have an impact on the economic viability of a small wind machine. Once these variables are entered, the tool then calculates annual cash flows and the net present value of the project.

“Many cooperative members are interested in owning renewable energy systems, particularly wind, for their homes, businesses, or farming operations,” said KEC’s Doug Shepherd. “A common question asked is how much money can be saved in future electricity costs in comparison to the investment. This model can help analyze the economics of investing in a small wind turbine.”

Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives is a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand as a source of power and information to their 32 million member-owners every day.